Did you know that retaining walls don't only prevent erosion on your property but actually adds up to 15% of value to it? Homeowners want to add value, manage runoff, and still achieve designs that are aesthetically pleasing, and this isn't hard to do with the right material.
With the right retaining wall, you will notice a 100% to 200% return on your investment and that's hard to ignore. If you want to explore popular retaining wall materials but you're wondering how best to maintain them, keep reading.
Brick Walls Are a Classic for Retaining Walls
Brick walls are a classic option to achieve an aesthetically pleasing look and proper drainage. This material is versatile and can supplement any landscape design and acts in the way that seawalls would in terms of strength. Brick walls are durable and do a great job of preventing soil erosion.
What's great about using brick for this type of application is that they are resistant to rot. Another thing to consider is in general, homes can experience hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages due to termite infestations While an exterior wall isn't necessarily your entire home, it can still be costly if you are consistently repairing or replacing it. With brick, termite infestations won't be a concern.
Brick retaining walls also aren't too difficult with upkeep although you do need to be gentle. All that needs to be done is simply spraying with a combination of water and dish soap. If you need to scrub the brick for any reason, use a soft bristle toothbrush or cleaning brush.
Giving Concrete Blocks a Try
Interlocking concrete blocks is another prime solution for soil erosion prevention. Concrete blocks can last up to a century long and their durability is often unmatched which is why they are used for load-bearing walls a lot of the time. To maintain this material, it's similar to the upkeep that brick requires.
Simply spray the concrete blocks and use a gentle cleaner (e.g. simple green, mean green multi-purpose concentrate) and scrubber. Rinse and repeat as needed but be sure to check the wall after it dries.
To help maintain its new look, you can use a concrete sealer to help avoid issues with water buildup or damage. Doing so will also help to combat retaining wall cracks. This is essential to do from the start because it may not be possible down the road after significant water buildup occurs.
Have You Thought About Stone?
Stone is a popular choice because it often lasts longer than concrete. Stone is much denser than other materials while still offering a high level of sturdiness. With stone, you don't want to treat it before you install the retainer walls.
If anything, it's always a good idea to use a 'natural' stone sealer to provide an additional layer of protection. For upkeep, ensure the ground surrounding the wall is treated. This will help to promote proper drainage.
Always manage stone during the winter by keeping salt away from the material. You should also keep ice and snow from building up around and on the stone. Also, during spring and summer, try to prioritize weed control and fill in any eroded areas immediately as needed.
Sustainable and Customizable Landscaping Solutions
Retaining walls is a smart solution to managing runoff and adding structural support to your elevated landscapes. Believe it or not, retaining walls can even prevent sinkholes and add value to your property.
While the list of benefits is long, you want to ensure that you choose a retaining wall that suits your property and your design preference. To leverage your property and get the most out of your outdoor space, get in touch with Scott's Landscaping today.
